With only more than 10 months before the start of the official campaign period for the next year’s off-season election, the government may find it difficult to hold free, honest, clean and credible political exercise owing to the continued proliferation of unlicensed firearms, including assault rifles, across the country.
With thousands of loose firearms still in the hands of members of private armed groups (PAGs) otherwise known as “private armies”, government authorities are expected to be hard put to stop cheating candidates, who are mostly local politicians, from terrorizing and threatening their political opponents.
It is public knowledge that “political warlords”, like jueteng and other gambling lords, maintain heavily-armed “private armies”.
Before the May 2010 fully-computerized presidential balloting, the revitalized 140,000-member Philippine National Police (PNP) launched its first massive anti-loose firearms campaign, drawing cheers and praises from national and local candidates, poll officials, church authorities and the rest of the electorate.
Of course, nobody will argue with PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome, a member of class 1980 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), when he ordered a stricter implementation of gun control measures to reduce by 10 percent gun-related crimes and the number of unregistered firearms by 3.38 percent.
Bartolome told the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to spearhead the nationwide gun control campaign to account not only loose firearms but tens of thousands of licensed guns whose registrations were not renewed for years.
The firearms explosives office (FEO), headed by Senior Supt. Raul D. Petrasanta, has been tasked to furnish the country’s Police Regional Offices with all the names of delinquent firearms holders for appropriate action.
Under “Oplan Kontra Boga”, PNP operatives conduct home visits to gun owners with expired licenses. The campaign also calls for dragnet operations in crime-prone areas, mobile checkpoints and chokepoints, intelligence build-up and the dismantling of PAGs.
Certainly, the national police agency will have the support of the electorate in going after holders of loose firearms months before May 13, 2013, when the nation goes to the polls anew elect new senators, congressmen and local government officials.
It’s one way of ensuring the holding of peaceful, honest and clean elections.

Take all necessary security precautions that will keep you, your family and your houses safe this Holy Week and the rest of the summer vacation. And don't forget to check your "BLOWBAGETS" or Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires and Self or the drivers.

This was the advice issued by the PNP headed by Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome as public and private motorists start trekking to the province this Holy Monday and the rest of the Holy Week.

General Bartlome said that when in trouble, seek the help of different Police assistance Centers (PACs) which have been set-up to serve as quick reaction points for police emergency and medical response, and advance command post for traffic management and road security operations.

These PACs are linked with Patrol 117 nationwide emergency telephone hotline, and the text PNP 2920 SMS hotline for much easier and direct communication.

On orders of the PNP chief, the PNP Highway Patrol Group under Chief Supt. Leonardo A. Espina, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, has started visiting public utility terminals specifically bus stations to check on the roadworthiness of buses and jeepneys across the country.

The PNP officials asked the general public to help them in their major effort to keep peace and order in the streets during the Holy week and the summer period.

"We need the full cooperation of the citizenry in ensuring that Filipinos will be able to visit churches, both here in Metro Manila and in the provinces and return to their respective homes safely away from criminality." Bartolome said.

Maintaining that 25 percent of crimes can be solved with the neutralization of motorcycle-riding criminals in the country, Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said intensified operations against these riding-in-tandem robbers will be further intensified this summer vacation all over the country particularly in Metro Manila.

Bartolome said motorcycle-riding criminals are responsible for atleast five out of 20 crime incidents taking place in a particular district, thus the need to launch a non-stop drive to account for these armed robbers and assassins who stalk and attack their targets before fleeing on board the handy two-wheeled vehicle.

He said the intensified police operations against these street criminals will be ongoing while the 140,000-strong police force is preoccupied with pulic safety operations for the entire summer vacation season.

The PNP's "summer offensive" versus criminals will be stepped up even as Bartolome particularly noted the recent series of successful police operations that led to the arrest and neutralization of suspects involved in some high-profile street crime cases including the robbery-slay of 15 year old high school honor student Rowell Cruz, who was robbed of his portable videogame console and cellphone by riding in tandem suspects who were eventually arrested in follow-up police operation in Taguig City.

The National Capital Region Police Office headed by Director Allan LM Purisima has also scored huge accomplishments in the campaign against motorcycle-riding criminals, neutralizing several heavily-armed robbers during gunbattles in different parts of Quezon City and Manila this month alone.

Police Operations in January resulted in the neutralization of 30 riding-in-tandem suspects involved in 242 shooting, robbery and other crime incidents.

More Crime Prevention Tips by: Alfred Dalizon

Here are Philippine National Police Safety Tips on how to avoid falling victims to high-tech criminals while inside and outside confines of your homes.
PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said the safety tips are part of the PNP’s “Be informed, plan ahead and be safe” program which was developed by the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations formerly headed by Director Rommel DF Heredia to prepare and equip the public with the necessary information in times of emergencies, disaster and other life-threatening situations.
“While the police play a vital role in creating a safe environment, every citizen must also develop his own safety core competency”, said Gen. Bartolome as he encouraged the citizenry to thoroughly consider the following safety tips could save precious lives and properties.
The PNP in particular is asking the public to immediately delete messages like this:
“Hi, just writing to let you know our trip to Madrid, Spain has been a mess. We were having a great time until last night when we got mugged and lost all my cash, credit card, cellphone. It has been scary experienced, I was hit at the back of my neck with a club. Anyway, I’m still alive and that’s what’s important. I’m finally strapped right now and need your help. I need you to loan me some $$. I’ll refund it to you as soon as I arrive home. Write me back so I can tell you how to get it to me. Regards, (name of sender).
Or this:
How are you doing today? I am sorry I didn’t inform you about my travelling to England for a short holiday. I need a favor from you because I forgot my little bag in the Taxi on my way to the hotel were my money, and other valuable things were kept I will like you to assist me with a loan urgently with the sum of $3,500 to sort-out my hotel bills and get myself back home. I will appreciate what so ever you can afford to send me immediately through Western Union and I promise to pay back your money as soon as I return home. So please let me know on time so that I can forward you the details you need to transfer the money through Western Union.
Thanks, (name of sender)

Oplan Summer Vacation 2013

With summer vacation on and the Holy Week next week , Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome yesterday ordered the 140,000-strong police force to prepare another massive security program to ensure the safety and protection of the general public and their homes.

General bartolome also asked the public to plan ahead and make sure that their houses will be safe while they are away for vacation in the provinces or visiting different churches during the Holy Week.

The PNP is all set on its security preparations as the summer vacation (SUMVAC) starts.

Under the PNP Letter of Instructions 68/08 or Sangingat-Bravo all security measures are being implemented in all PNP offices and units nationwide to ensure peace and other and public safely as people converge to spend vacation in different places.

Various occasions such as the Holy Week this coming April, from April 2, Holy Monday to April 8, Easter Sunday, the numerous town fiestas and Flores de Mayo are expected to generate hundreds of thousands of commuters and tourists who will flock to different travel destinations and pose peace and order concerns including traffic congestions, accidents and other crimes.

Warry that criminal elements may take advantage of people who will converge in places such as churches, beaches and other tourist destinations. Gen. Bartolome directed all 17 PNP Regional Directors to intensify police visibility in their respective areas of responsibility.

The Chief PNP also directed the strict implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) to ensure security and safety of the public this summer and Lenten Season especially during the exodus to the provinces.

He also ordered the maximum utilization of the PNP Motorized Anti-Crime Operatives (MASCO) and mobile and foot patrols to enhance police visibility. Add to that the deployment of members of the different Regional Public Safety Battalions and Provincial Public Safety Companies to conduct fixed visibility points and random checkpoints to preempt the movement of criminal elements and loose firearms and other deadly weapons thru "Oplan Kapkap" and "Oplan Sita".

The head of the PNP Directorate for Operations, Director Samuel B. Diciano said the focus of deployment and security enhancement will cover not only the streets but also all public places such as malls, train stations, airport and seaport terminals to prevent criminal activities and terrorist threats.

Police volunteers such as Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATS) will likewise be mobilized to patrol residential areas many of which are unattended during the summer, Diciano, said.

PNP TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS

Here are very important tips that could save lives, limbs and properties from criminals or even accidents while traveling in a personal vehicle or a taxi during the holidays or even normal working days.

Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said these tips should be remembered by the public to protect them in their workplaces and their vehicles and ensure their safety while traveling even as the 140,000 - strong police force starts prepares for another massive security program to ensure the safety and protection of the general public these coming holidays.

DO's

1. If possible, use different doors and gates when departing and entering your home or office.

7. Stay inside the house and keep updated with the latest weather report.

8. If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with cover.

9. Keep an eye on lighted gas lamps.

10. Do not wade through flood waters to avoid electrocution and diseases.

11. Stay away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept away by tides or waves.

12. Check everything that may be blown away or turn loose. Flying objects are dangerous during typhoons.

13. Do not use gas or electrical appliances that were submerged during flood.

14. Be calm when going to an evacuation center. Close all windows and turn off main power switch before leaving home. Put important appliances and belongings on a high ground. Avoid roads leading to the river and areas prone to land-slide.

AFTER TYPHOON:

1. Be sure that the house/building is safe and stable before you enter.

2. Beware of poisonous animals like snakes that may have entered your house. watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water and report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to authorities.

ANTI-CARNAPPING TIPS

Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said the following "anti-carnapping" tips must be kept in mind by all Filipinos to keep them and their motor vehicles safe while away from home the whole-year round.

"While the police play a vital role in creating a safe environment, every citizen must also develop his own safety competency," said General Bartolome.

PNP Highway Patrol Group Director, Chief Superitendent Leonardo A. Espina, a former PNP spokesman just like Gen. Bartolome said there has been a considerable 61.13 percent decline in car theft incidents in the country from January to October this year or 1,134 less incidents of car thefts compared to the same period in 2010.

He also reported a sizeable 33.91 percent increases in recoveries of stolen motor vehicles during the period.

Both officials urged the citizenry to observe the following anti-car theft tips:

1. Always lock car doors and windows while traveling or while parked.

2. Always parked in a safe and secured place.

3. Avoid leaving valuables inside the vehicle to preclude temptation.

4. Avoid waiting inside the vehicle while parked. If it cannot be avoided, lock all doors.

5. Avoid making stops in isolated places.

6. Avoid stopping for strangers.

7. Install security alarm and security devices in your vehicle.

8. Keep numbers of the police on your mobile phone. Memorize if possible.

9. If you are buying a second-hand motor vehicle or motorcycle, have it checked with the PNP-HPG.

10. If you suspect that you are being tailed, try taking a few turns to see if the occupants of the other vehicle will still follow you.

11. If your vehicle breaks down in an unsafe place at night, especially if you are a female, stay inside your vehicle, lock all doors and windows and use your cellphone to call for help.

12. When walking to your vehicle, have your keys in hand so you can open the door without any delay.

Espina attributed the marked reduction in carnapping cases to the recent neutralization of notorious car theft gangs headed by the Dominguez Brothers and the series of investigators conducted by the joint Department of the Interior and Local Government- Department of Justice task force that uncovered the involvement of some corrupt LTO officials and employees in the fraudulent registration of stolen motor vehicles.

Espina said the market for stolen vehicles in island regions really greatly increased when the HPG motor vehicle shipment clearance was prohibited starting May 11, 2001.

He said that last year alone, out of the 212 stolen motor vehicles his men recovered in Visayas and Mindanao, 48 turned out to have been stolen in Metro Manila.

PNP DISASTER SAFETY TIPS

In a country which is no stranger to earthquakes, Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said the following earthquake survival tips must be kept in mind by every Filipino to keep them and their families safe when disaster strikes.

PNP TIPS ON PUBLIC SAFETY

Be informed. Plan ahead. Be safe.

These are the advisory issued by the Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome as the PNP braces for another massive security program to ensure the safety and security nof the public this coming Christmas and New Year festivities.

Bartolome said they distributed the "Tips on Public Safety and Women's Self-Defense and Protection Handbook as part of their public service program.

"This is a ready reference for you and your family, so designed to prepare and equip you with the necessary information in times of emergencies, disaster and other life-threatening situations. While the police play a vital role in creating a safe environment, every citizen must also develop his own safety core competency, "Bartolome said.

The handbook was developed by the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations under Director Rommel DF Heredia in coordination with the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Bartolome said the handbook provides crime prevention tips "to safe-guard you against criminal elements and syndicates."

The journal group was requested to run the public safety tips compiled from open sources and references from various law enforcement agencies and security experts.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said the following "anti-theft" tips must be kept in mind by all Filipinos to keep them safe while far away from home and shopping for goods and gifts these Christmas and New Year holidays.

Bartolome said the tips were developed by the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations headed by Director Rommel DF Herdedia to prepare and equip the public with the necessary information in times of emergencies, disaster and other-life threatening situations.

"While the police play a vital role in creating a safe environment, every citizen must also develop his own safety core competency, " said Gen. Bartolome.

HOLIDAY SAFETY

1. Notify others of your whereabouts while traveling.

2. Let people know when you expect a foreigner, inform the concerned embassy on his/her arrival and ask for security tips.

3. Keep your voice down, especially in non-English speaking area.

4. Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they may be overhead.

5. If possible, use shabby-looking language. Ensue that any luggage tags with your name, address, tc are well covered.

6. Don't mark your key chain with your name, address, etc.

7. Avoid making routine and established daily routes.

8. Always avoid isolates, civil disturbances and demonstrations, and involvement in local politics or similar activities.

9. Do everything you can to stay alert including limiting alcohol consumption.

10. Never leave your drink unattended.

11. Never accept food or drinks from strangers, as covert drugging is an increasing concern.

12. Be alert to overly friendly people who may have criminal intentions.

16. Keep the originals in the hotel safe. Keep the contact numbers for banks, airlines and embassies in case of theft.

According to PNP spokesman, Police Chief Supt Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. the above-mentioned safety tips are part of the "Be informed, plan ahead and be safe program launched by the police force.

Cruz said the above named tips could help toward a robbery or a theft case apart from helping the police conduct follow-up operations that will result in the arrest of a thief or a robber as soon as he commits a crime.

PNP FIRE SAFETY TIPS

In a country which is prone to deadly fires mostly triggered by carelessness and faulty electrical wiring, the Philippine National Police is offering its own fire safety tips as part of its "be informed, plan ahead and be safe" programs.

PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said the tips were developed by the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations headed by Director Rommel DF Heredia to prepare and equip the public with the necessary information in times of emergencies, disaster and other life-threatening situations.

Fire Safety

1. Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm.

2. In case of fire, time is critical, just get out.

3. Roll out of bed.

4. Practice evaluating the building blindfolded.

5. Practice crouching low or crawl to the ground when escaping.

6. Feel the door before opening them. If the door is hot, leave it and find another way.

7. If clothes catch fire, dash to a safe are, drop on the ground and roll.